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Sea Lion Attacks Teen During Lifeguard Swim Test in Long Beach

The aggressive encounter highlights ongoing risks tied to toxic algal blooms affecting marine mammal behavior along the Southern California coast.

 Pseudo-nitzschia algae blooms have sickened California sea lions and other marine animals. 
Phoebe Beltran, 15, was bitten by a sea lion on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Long Beach.
Image
Buoys that line the California coastline are proposed to be removed and replaced with “virtual” buoys, including this one off Long Beach’s harbor, where a massive Stellar Sea Lion is shown next to smaller California sea lions. (Photo courtesy of Erik Combs)

Overview

  • A 15-year-old girl was bitten by a sea lion during a junior lifeguard swim test on March 30 in Long Beach, California, near Ocean Boulevard and Cherry Avenue.
  • The girl sustained bites and scratches to her arm and hand but did not require paramedic-level care, according to officials.
  • The sea lion, spotted 25 yards from shore before the attack, showed no signs of illness but exhibited aggressive behavior, officials reported.
  • This incident is linked to recurring toxic algal blooms producing domoic acid, a neurotoxin that causes erratic and dangerous behavior in marine mammals.
  • The ongoing algal bloom has sickened over 140 sea lions and 50 dolphins, overwhelming rescue centers and raising public safety concerns for beachgoers.